In the Eye of the Beholder OR Inner Eye, Inner Ear, Sheer Poetry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber
Although I do not subscribe to any religion, that doesn’t mean I have any less love for the architecture of many religious edifices; for much of religious music, too, even if I cannot relate the words of hymns and other songs of praise. For that matter, regarding Christianity, I also have a great appreciation of much of the sheer poetry to be found in its Holy Bible. I once commented as much to colleagues during a debate about religion over a meal after work; all said they found this offensive. I could not, they insisted, have my cake and eat it; one even accused me of blatant hypocrisy when I added that I am not only often moved by examples of religious architecture and music, but they also appeal to a strong sense of spirituality in me even though I take that from nature rather than religion.
I mean no offence to anyone. An eye and feeling for beauty are unconditional, surely? Few people, I suspect, whatever their religion, could fail to be moved by the sheer beauty and magnificence of some of England's great cathedrals of which the oldest is Salisbury.
As for religion itself, I intend no offence there either when I often attack the hypocrisy I find in many religious minded people for whom their religion is a closed shop, and they have little if any time for anyone who does not pay the appropriate dues. I would like to say these are a in a minority, but at 66 years-old experience suggests otherwise. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and thank goodness for all those men and women who not only subscribe to their religion, but also to humanity in general, regardless of colour, creed, sex or sexuality.
Yesterday I uploaded today’s poem as a voice-over to a video shot by my close friend Graham who has been visiting family in Wiltshire. (See also below.) If you want to see other videos I have uploaded to my YouTube channel, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/rogerNtaber
This poem is a villanelle. [As regular readers will know, I am not averse to taking the occasional liberty with ’hidden’ rhyme.]
IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Ancient and beautiful,
a watchful maternal eye;
Salisbury cathedral
Its spire, proud and tall,
reaching up to kiss the sky;
ancient and beautiful
Welcoming one and all
(no enquiring who or why);
Salisbury cathedral
Hear cloisters softly call
upon peace, its tears to dry;
ancient and beautiful
An ages-old clock’s toll
offering pilgrims sanctuary;
Salisbury cathedral ...
Ode to love, one and all,
(embracing Henge nearby);
old and beautiful ...
Salisbury cathedral
Copyright R. N. Taber 2012
Note: Alternative title added 8/19.
Although I do not subscribe to any religion, that doesn’t mean I have any less love for the architecture of many religious edifices; for much of religious music, too, even if I cannot relate the words of hymns and other songs of praise. For that matter, regarding Christianity, I also have a great appreciation of much of the sheer poetry to be found in its Holy Bible. I once commented as much to colleagues during a debate about religion over a meal after work; all said they found this offensive. I could not, they insisted, have my cake and eat it; one even accused me of blatant hypocrisy when I added that I am not only often moved by examples of religious architecture and music, but they also appeal to a strong sense of spirituality in me even though I take that from nature rather than religion.
I mean no offence to anyone. An eye and feeling for beauty are unconditional, surely? Few people, I suspect, whatever their religion, could fail to be moved by the sheer beauty and magnificence of some of England's great cathedrals of which the oldest is Salisbury.
As for religion itself, I intend no offence there either when I often attack the hypocrisy I find in many religious minded people for whom their religion is a closed shop, and they have little if any time for anyone who does not pay the appropriate dues. I would like to say these are a in a minority, but at 66 years-old experience suggests otherwise. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and thank goodness for all those men and women who not only subscribe to their religion, but also to humanity in general, regardless of colour, creed, sex or sexuality.
Yesterday I uploaded today’s poem as a voice-over to a video shot by my close friend Graham who has been visiting family in Wiltshire. (See also below.) If you want to see other videos I have uploaded to my YouTube channel, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/rogerNtaber
This poem is a villanelle. [As regular readers will know, I am not averse to taking the occasional liberty with ’hidden’ rhyme.]
IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Ancient and beautiful,
a watchful maternal eye;
Salisbury cathedral
Its spire, proud and tall,
reaching up to kiss the sky;
ancient and beautiful
Welcoming one and all
(no enquiring who or why);
Salisbury cathedral
Hear cloisters softly call
upon peace, its tears to dry;
ancient and beautiful
An ages-old clock’s toll
offering pilgrims sanctuary;
Salisbury cathedral ...
Ode to love, one and all,
(embracing Henge nearby);
old and beautiful ...
Salisbury cathedral
Copyright R. N. Taber 2012
Note: Alternative title added 8/19.
Labels: appreciation, architecture, cathedral, cathedrals, culture, English, human, inspirational, nature, personal, poetry, religion, Salisbury, space, spirit, spirituality, UK, Wiltshire
posted by R. N. Taber | 07:51
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